Newsletter March 29th '22

SPOTLIGHT RELEASES:

· SOUL GLO NEW ALBUM!!!! DIASPORA PROBLEMS!!!!

What the fuck. This is my album of the DECADE so far. Every song is very explicit (I’ve edited track 5 already bc it was the lead single and I think I'll edit track 7 bc it only has five poms and it made me cry) so that sucks for radio play’s sake. But this is an absolutely electric blend of hardcore punk, emo, and hip-hop, and I’ve never heard it done so well. This is also their debut on Epitaph records. The music is awesome, but the lyrics are the biggest selling point for me. Every song has these incredible stream-of-consciousness type vocals and lyrics. They deal with mental health, suicide, politics, racial issues, socioeconomic issues, family history, friends, love, and music, and every single minute is filled with lyrics to take away from. Every single song is a standout, and there are no weak links. This band is one of my favorite embodiments of punk in all of its facets, and if you’re interested in this style you NEED to hear this band. If you don’t want to jump into this really intense 12-song, 39-minute album, their 2020 EP Songs to Yeet at the Sun is a much more succinct version of what their music is, and it’s awesome, and it was my introduction to them when it first came out. CHECK IT!!!!

KAINA – It was a Home : Y’all check this outttt, latin/soul/r&b. Just the sweetest energy in this album and her tiny desk is so fun! Oh oh and it has a Sleater-Kinney feature!

Pock & Rop

by Kat, Nora & Pat

Ibibio Sound Machine – Electricity (3/24) (Singles – All That You Want, Electricity, 17 18 19, Protection from Evil)

WOW! I knew I’d like this, but my expectations were shattered. This is a British band, and they have a super creative mix of electronic, funk, West African music, and synthpop, and I even hear some disco and soul notes at certain points. And when I say funk I mean ‘70s to now, and I also mean American, British, Nigerian, and even Prince-style synth funk. Super strong vocals the whole time, great hooks, plus every single track is great. PLEASE don’t miss this release. It’s a full 48 minutes long, but I honestly wish it was a little longer.

Guerilla Toss – Famously Alive (3/24) (Singles – Cannibal Capital, Famously Alive)

Super interesting album. I want to call it new wave and pop and psychedelia and straight-up experimental rock, but it’s really something in its own style that’s just adjacent to all of those things. Tracks 5 and 8 are my favs.

Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez, See Your Future (3/24) (Singles – Walkin, Zatoichi)

Really cool, great new album from Denzel Curry. He’s from the Palm Beach area, so naturally he’s always had a very southern hip-hop sound, but especially with so little trap on this album (unlike he usually does) it kinda goes beyond that style. I even feel like it has somewhat of a Chicago sound, with the same jazziness and soul sampling that you’d hear on a Saba or Noname release. “Troubles” and “Ain’t No Way” are highlights for me, especially with the features killing it. Check it!

PLOSIVS

Debut album from Debut album from PLOSIVS, the latest band from the very prolific Rob Crow (best known as fronting Pinback, his math rock band Thingy is also great). It’s some really uptempo indie rock stuff, kinda reminds me of the post-hardcore/math rock blend of the ‘90s, like if Polvo went in a more pop-oriented direction., the latest band from the very prolific Rob Crow (best known as fronting Pinback, his math rock band Thingy is also great). It’s some really uptempo indie rock stuff, kinda reminds me of the post-hardcore/math rock blend of the ‘90s, like if Polvo went in a more pop-oriented direction.

Blushing – Possessions

Y’all wish Cocteau Twins was still making music? This is the best you’re getting. But that’s okay, because this is REALLY good. I recommend “Ours” and “Gel.”

Guest UserApril 1, 2022